MBI Group ventures into e-hailing services

Hailing the new app: Shermine Lim, 26, checking out the MULA app on her smartphone at the MULA Pick-up & drop-off point outside M Mall in Penang Times Square, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The controversial MBI Group which was red-flagged by Bank Negara has now ventured into e-hailing services.

Dubbed MULA Car, some 150 mini multi-purpose vehicles and 25 vans have been plying Penang streets since the ride booking app was launched in March.

A MULA driver, who declined to be named, said MBI loyalty reward points or cash can be used to pay for the service.

“Like Uber and Grab, passengers need to download the MULA app on their smart phones.

“It offers instant rides, pre-booked trips and chartered servi­ces,” he said.

Several roadshows were also held at shopping malls to create awareness on MULA, the driver added.

Signs for “MULA Pick-up & drop-off point” and “reserved parking” with the MULA logo were spotted at a mall here.

MBI Group was one of 302 companies on Bank Negara’s financial consumer alert list on suspicion of not adhering to laws and regulations in its operations.